live well. the message of carl creasman.

creasman blog

One of the key factors that has always separated the great generals from the merely good is their ability to see the larger picture. That’s the difference between strategy and tactics, or at least one difference. So often, many generals will get drawn into a specific battle as a certain spot on the field and then begin to pour everything into this one fight. If you cannot see the larger picture, then you can do the same thing in your own life, usually missing key aspects that must be addressed in order to find success.

Perhaps the best example of this was the German decision to get drawn into the city of Stalingrad towards the end of 1942. Now, to defend the Germany High Command a bit, by this point Hitler was really beginning to go “off the deep end” and was making more and more of the command decisions. For all the man strengths (hey, like him or don’t like him—and there’s a lot not to like—the man has plenty of strengths), being a strategic military thinker wasn’t really one of them. That fact had already come out during the last months of 1941 when he missed his chance to possibly win the war with the USSR. He meddled and lost that moment. Now, in 1942, he got sucked into a minor point and missed the larger picture strategically.

While Stalingrad was useful, had they taken it, such a position would have helped the German advance, there was no need to get drawn into that battle. Before long, the Germans had thrown an entire army of about 500,000 men into the city. When it was all over, about 100,000 were captured in a Russian trap, while the rest were dead. For all intents and purposes, Germany’s chance of defeating the Russians was over. If you want to read more about the German battle in 1942, check out this article (one of many).

For our purposes, the key is that the leadership lost sight of the bigger picture. It is difficult for many to see the larger picture. Often some issues are obscured from vision. At other moments, the close immediate prize is so tantalizing, that you keep locked in, convincing yourself that you almost have it won. At other times, your own arrogance and hubris blind you to clear obvious factors.

I see this often around me. When a student chooses to withdraw from class, even though they are passing, simply because of one bad assessment, they are missing the larger picture of their aims. They need the 3 credits, they are already passing and withdrawing simply means they’ve added more time to their journey of completion.

Or, I have some peers who simply cannot see the larger picture regarding academia that what we do, how we do it and our entire purpose is under threat. So, instead of engaging in the deep question of how to address this, how to help non-academics understand our values, what we believe about our purpose….they chose to battle deeply about things like parking lot spaces, whether they can grab an extra $1800, or if they get to pick their own private textbook for students. While each of those things, and a myriad of others, can have value or purpose, and may need some addressing, they are not the real battle we are engaged in. The larger picture tells a very different story that could include an end game where many, or even all, professors lose their jobs because the entire industry as we now know it, dies and goes away.

Napoleon might have been the best General in history to possess this sense of vision. Want to strengthen your ability, go study Napoleon’s military actions, particularly up to 1809. And, Napoleon gives yet another tragic tale of someone failing to see the larger picture. Much like Hitler, he became so obsessed with one target (destroying the Russian army and capturing Moscow), that he failed to see how this tactic was dooming what should have been the larger strategy (staying alive, holding onto power in France).

That is an error that you should avoid. As Vizzini said to the Man in Black in the movie The Princess Bride, “You fell victim to one of the classic blunders – The most famous of which is “never get involved in a land war in Asia”” Or maybe he’d had done better to say “don’t lose sight of the larger picture.”

Carl has a unique way to speak the truth in a way that communicates to a 21st century audience.

- Bailey Marks
Executive Director
Crossroads International

Your presentation on "Extreme Living Extreme Valor" drove home a message that was critical to the times we are living in. As you spoke to the audience about integrity, honor, & honesty, you could feel the emotion in the crowd as they took it in.

- Michael Cowles
State Director
Ohio SkillsUSA

Carl has a zeal for life that continues to inspire me. I consider myself blessed to journey through life with Carl as my friend.

- Scott Allen
Director
National Collegiate Ministry

In a time when students are bombarded by so many options that it's become incredibly difficult to keep their attention, your presentation style and message quickly captured their interest and kept them engaged throughout the entire presentation. You have been a joy to work with; your professionalism and communication have been top notch.

- Kelly Warren
Collegewide Coordinator, Student Life and Leadership Development
Florida State College at Jacksonville

There are few people in our profession that can truly connect with our students and I firmly believe that it was what you were able to do. . .Your ability to quickly assess and become familiar with our college's environment was truly impressive since your message was better received and certainly more authentic.

Mr. Creasman has a special talent that allows him to inspire, motivate and excite young people towards being the very best that can be. He delivers the kind of timely message that students need to hear. I highly recommends Mr. Carl Creasman as a motivational speaker for your next program or event. He understands and meets the needs of the students, while delivering a message that will change their lives.

Your words were inspirational, humorous, and timely. I especially appreciate your ability to communicate to the audience. Our students, many over the age of thirty, could relate to your stories and examples. Last week I met with several advisors [from around the state of Tennessee] who attended your session, and they were still commenting about the energy and enthusiasm that you showed during your presentation.

- James T. King
Vice Chancellor
Tennessee Board of Regents

As a keynote speaker, Carl engages the audience with his knowledge of the subject matter, personal interactions, and relevance. Whether speaking with a colleague, college student or someone he has just met, he immediately connects with them through his ability to understand their verbal and nonverbal communications and his sincere congenial disposition. His academic background complements his presentations very well. He has just the right mix of academia, common sense and humor to hold the attention of his audience.

The way you connect to students, especially young, first-year students is truly amazing and admirable. The students not only respected you, but trusted you in a way that I haven't seen. Your message was profound, relatable and very well tailored to the four foundations of Camp Bearcat. I truly appreciate your expertise, knowledge, kind words and advice throughout the course of the weekend.

- Nicole Lepone
Assistant Director, Student Activities and Leadership Development
University of Cincinnati